From the Guidelines
For an 18-year-old with vitamin D deficiency, the recommended dosing of vitamin D2 is typically 50,000 IU once weekly for 8 weeks, followed by a maintenance dose of 800 IU/day, as suggested by the most recent and highest quality study 1. The goal of treatment is to achieve a 25(OH)D level of at least 30 ng/mL, which is essential for maintaining bone health and preventing complications associated with vitamin D deficiency.
- The initial high-dose regimen of 50,000 IU weekly for 8 weeks is necessary to rapidly replenish depleted vitamin D stores, as vitamin D is fat-soluble and stored in body tissues.
- After the initial treatment period, the patient should have their vitamin D levels rechecked to ensure the deficiency has been corrected, and the maintenance dose can be adjusted accordingly.
- It is also important to note that adequate calcium intake, of at least 1,000-1,200 mg daily, should accompany vitamin D supplementation to support bone health, as suggested by 1.
- Additionally, taking vitamin D with meals containing some fat can improve absorption, and severe deficiency may require longer treatment or higher doses under medical supervision, as noted in 1.
- While some evidence suggests that vitamin D3 may be more effective for long-term supplementation, vitamin D2 is still a viable option, especially for patients with specific dietary restrictions or preferences, as mentioned in 1.
From the Research
Recommended Dosing of Vitamin D2 for Deficient Vit D at 18
- The recommended dosing of vitamin D2 for an 18-year-old with vitamin D deficiency is not explicitly stated in the provided studies, but some studies provide guidance on vitamin D2 dosing for adults with vitamin D deficiency 2, 3.
- According to a study published in the American Family Physician, treatment of vitamin D deficiency may include oral ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) at 50,000 IU per week for eight weeks 2.
- Another study published in the Annals of Saudi Medicine compared the effect of a 10-day course of high-dose calciferol versus a single mega dose of ergocalciferol in correcting vitamin D deficiency, and found that a single mega dose of 600,000 IU D2 was less effective than a 10-day course of 500,000 IU D3 3.
- It is essential to note that the effectiveness of vitamin D2 supplements may be lower compared to vitamin D3 supplements, and vitamin D2 may enhance the degradation of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25[OH]D3) metabolite 3.
Considerations for Dosing
- The dosing of vitamin D2 should be individualized based on the severity of vitamin D deficiency, body weight, and other factors 4.
- A study published in the European Journal of Endocrinology developed a practical cholecalciferol loading dose regimen, which may be useful for guiding vitamin D2 dosing 4.
- However, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate dosing regimen for an 18-year-old with vitamin D deficiency, as the optimal dosing strategy may vary depending on individual circumstances 2, 5, 6.